Should You Renovate Before Selling? Here’s When It’s Worth It
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may be wondering whether tackling a few renovations will help you get top dollar—or if it’s just a waste of time and money. While some upgrades can significantly boost your home’s value, others might not be worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of when it’s a smart move to renovate before selling and when you should skip the expense.
When Renovating Is Worth It
✅ Minor Kitchen Updates – The kitchen is one of the first places buyers look. You don’t have to do a full remodel, but minor upgrades like new hardware, fresh paint, modern lighting, and upgraded appliances can make a big impact. A simple refresh can make your kitchen look updated without breaking the bank.
✅ Bathroom Refreshes – Outdated bathrooms can be a turnoff for buyers. Consider replacing old fixtures, re-caulking the tub, adding a new vanity, or upgrading lighting. A fresh coat of neutral-colored paint can also make a space feel more modern and inviting.
✅ Curb Appeal Improvements – First impressions matter! Investing in landscaping, power washing, painting the front door, and updating exterior lighting can increase your home’s curb appeal and attract more buyers. Simple upgrades like new mulch, trimmed hedges, and fresh flowers can make a home feel well cared for.
✅ Flooring Updates – Worn-out or mismatched flooring can make a home feel dated. If your carpets are old or your hardwood floors are scratched, consider replacing or refinishing them. Buyers love move-in-ready homes, and fresh flooring can be a game-changer.
✅ Fixing Major Issues – If your home has leaky plumbing, an outdated roof, or a faulty HVAC system, these issues could scare away buyers or lead to lowball offers. If you know there’s a problem, fixing it before listing can prevent negotiations from falling apart later.
When to Skip the Renovations
❌ High-End Kitchen or Bathroom Remodels – While buyers love a modern kitchen or spa-like bathroom, full-scale remodels rarely offer a dollar-for-dollar return on investment. Instead of gutting a room, focus on small cosmetic updates.
❌ Adding Luxury Upgrades – Features like high-end countertops, custom built-ins, or designer fixtures might look stunning, but they don’t always provide a strong return. Keep upgrades simple and cost-effective.
❌ Expanding Square Footage – Adding a new room or finishing a basement might increase home value, but it’s a costly and time-consuming project. Most sellers won’t recoup the full investment when they sell.
Bottom Line: Renovate Smart, Not Hard
Before spending money on renovations, consider your home’s current condition, the local market, and buyer expectations. If your home is in relatively good shape, small updates like fresh paint, flooring, and minor kitchen or bathroom improvements can provide a strong return. However, avoid major overhauls that won’t pay off in the long run.
Not sure which updates are worth it? The Embry Group Real Estate team can help you determine what renovations will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Contact us today for expert advice on preparing your home for sale!